Katerina’s Kiosk – Friday Fictioneers

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I remember this prompt, but for whatever reason I did not write a story for it. So, here’s a new one from me and it’s inspired by a story aboutKiosks in Lisbonthat I heard on NPR. See a description of the words below the story.

Those from the old country knew “Katerina’s Kiosk” as simply “The Kiosk.” They nodded when they heard the words roll off Katerina’s tongue into the ears of her chosen ensemble of baristi, who prepared drinks with 100-year recipes.

Groselha. Capilé.

Patrons rubbing their temples, expecting their usual lager, received a frothy-white liquid of honeyed sweetness with crushed almonds and figs. Leite Perfumada.

A harpist played, plucking at your thoughts, inviting the gentle promise of new possibilities. After a visit here, patrons left jobs, wrote poetry, and traveled to faraway lands.

Don’t be afraid to get what you really want, a sign read above the bar.

OK, I want to know where this place is so I can quit my job and travel to far-off places and write poetry. It reminded me of being at a coffeehouse in Spain where Ernest Hemingway used to frequent. Very cool, Amy. I wrote a different story for the prompt, too, but I decided I could do better than the last one I wrote.

What a wonderful, imaginative place. Like Neil, I just love this line: ‘A harpist played, plucking at your thoughts…’ Lisbon is a magical city as it is, and such a place there is a lovely thought. If people led the life they really wanted, would that make them happy? I wonder about the people they left behind.

Thanks so much, Gah. I apologize for the delay in responding. Been swamped! Thanks foe your thoughtful comments, as always. There’s always that line between obligation and freedom, which to many feels more like selfishness. Not a simple matter at all. Thanks for the kind words. 🙂 Lisbon seems like a magical place.

What a delightful seeming place! It evokes thoughts of Circe and magical witches with magical brews, and this time hopefully leading to better ends – but you never know. Great use of language and imagery. I love the final line.